EU laws passed by elected MEPs

Published:07:43Tuesday 19 April 2016

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Further to Cllr Bower’s letter (Herald, March 24), I would just like to correct one of her inarguable facts.

EU laws are in fact passed by elected Members of the European Parliament, in conjunction with the Council of Ministers. We vote for MEPs to represent the different regions of the UK on a regular basis, using proportional representation, which is arguably more democratic than the first past the post system that we currently use in national and local elections. The European Parliament (democratically elected) debates prospective laws along with the European Council of Ministers, which includes elected ministers from European governments, including our own government.

The European Commission, which is roughly the equivalent of our own Civil Service, drafts prospective legislation, consults with and advises our elected MEPS and ministers, who make the final decision.

I’ve always been wary of politicians quoting “inarguable” facts, but would have expected better from Cllr Bower when this is all common knowledge.

John Westbrook

Burnside Close

Sompting

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